BEHLEN Steel Buildings PRAIRIE STEEL Buildings

Prairie Steel Buildings Competitive Advantages

The Prairie Steel Building is a division of BEHLEN Industries LP which supports a unique building system ideal for farm applications. The Prairie Steel buildings is an Open Web Truss System which is situated on a screw pile and base tube foundation system. Together this design offers significant cost-savings for farm structures, well-suited for the Canadian prairies.

Advantages of the Open Web Truss System

• Superior strength-to-weight ratio: The triangulated design of the open web truss efficiently distributes loads, allowing the truss to span much longer distances with less material compared to solid beams.
• Cost-saving design: Since the open web truss is lighter than a solid beam it requires fewer columns or load-bearing walls, which opens floor plans and reduces material costs. They also place less dead load on the foundation and can be installed with lighter equipment, saving on labor and equipment rental.
• Construction and Design Flexibility: The open web design is a major advantage for utility installation. HVAC ducts, plumbing pipes, and electrical wiring can be routed directly through the truss’s open spaces without the need to drill, cut, or notch the structural members.

Advantages of the Screw Pile & Base Tube System

• Superior Performance in Canadian Climates: Designed to handle the unique challenges of Canada’s diverse climate, our screw piles provide a stable and durable foundation year-round. Unlike concrete foundations that can crack from frost heave, screw piles are installed deep below the frost line, anchoring your structure into stable soil. This innovative approach also allows for year-round, all-weather installation, so you can avoid costly seasonal delays. For projects in northern regions, our screw piles can be engineered to anchor into the stable frozen ground below the permafrost’s active layer, providing a reliable and lasting solution.
• Speed and Efficiency: A screw pile foundation system significantly accelerates your construction timeline. Using specialized equipment, piles are mechanically “screwed” into the ground in a fraction of the time required for traditional concrete foundations, which need extensive excavation, formwork, and curing. With immediate load-bearing capacity, your structure can begin to take shape the moment the last pile is installed. This streamlined process not only saves you a substantial amount of time but also reduces labor costs by requiring only a small crew.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The screw pile foundation system delivers significant cost savings throughout your entire project. The faster installation and reduced labor requirements lead to lower overall project costs from the start. With minimal to no excavation required, you save on expensive site cleanup, landscaping restoration, and soil removal fees. This versatility also allows our piles to be installed in a wide range of soil conditions—from clay and sand to waterlogged ground—eliminating the need for costly soil preparation or specialized equipment.
• Environmental Benefits: The screw pile foundation system is an environmentally conscious choice. The rotational installation process causes minimal soil disturbance, which preserves the site’s natural integrity and reduces the risk of erosion, making it ideal for environmentally sensitive areas. By eliminating the need for large quantities of concrete, a major source of CO2 emissions, this system also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. Furthermore, unlike permanent concrete footings, screw piles can be easily removed and reused, which is a key advantage for temporary structures or future projects.

Learn more about Prairie Steel Buildings and other Prairie Steel Products at https://prairiesteel.com/